“There was one night which stands out as being particularly magical and was a real turning point for the centre.

“We had just had our big appeal which saved the centre from closure and had booked Simon Townshend and his band to appear.

“The night before their appearance, I was told Roger Daltrey was to make a guest appearance, we sold a further 300 tickets overnight and Ropetackle was on the map.”

Martin Allen, chair of trustees, has been involved with the centre since it opened in 2007.

“I had previously been involved with Adur Festival for about 15 years and was, therefore, closely involved in the local arts scene,” he says. “When we had the opportunity of our own arts centre, we – a number of like minded local people – seized it and set up the charitable trust that runs it.”

Although it is popular, it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

“As a charity, funding is always a concern and in 2011 we reached crisis point and were threatened by closure,” Martin Phillips, who looks after marketing and exhibitions, recalls.

“The community however stood up and showed their unanimous support, saving the centre with their generous donations. Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength, regularly selling-out events, continuing to put on a quality programme, and strengthening our reputation as leading arts venue.”

Volunteers are the life-blood of the centre, doing almost everything –programming, box office, bar and stewarding.

Mr Phillips said: “Ropetackle is unique in this respect and being run by volunteers has contributed to our ethos of community engagement, and of running the venue professionally, but with a welcoming atmosphere.”

Visit the website ropetacklecentre.co.uk for full listings and to find out about activities at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham.